When You Are Asked to Give...A Donor's Guide to Charities

Charitable organizations play a critical role in meeting a wide range of community needs. Housing and clothing for the poor, medical care for the sick, programs for children and the disabled- these and many other services are provided by legitimate charities that depend largely on private contributions to carry out their mission.

Sometimes, however, your contributions never reach those truly in need. Instead, those dollars end up in the hands of a professional fund-raiser or go to excessive administrative overhead and expenses. In the most troubling cases, funds are solicited for a charity that does not exist or an event that never takes place.

Despite the activities of a few unscrupulous solicitors, there are many organizations that need - and deserve - our support. To help sort the good from the bad, this brochure is designed to better acquaint you with the laws and rules regulating charities in our state. It also describes the warning signs of suspicious solicitations and suggests the questions you should ask before contributing to a charity.

Through wise giving, we all can assure that our charitable dollars are helping those truly in need.

Requirements of Charitable Organizations

  • Charities are required to maintain a current registration file with the Secretary of State. That file should include the official name and mailing address of the organization, the name of executive officers and other management personnel, the purpose of the organization, the past history of the charity and detailed financial information.
  • Financial statements filed by the charity may be reviewed by contacting the Secretary of State's office.
  • Georgia law requires that charities or paid solicitors in their solicitations disclose their name and location and the name and location of any paid fund-raiser. The charity or paid solicitor must also inform you that a full description of the charitable program and financial statement will be provided upon request.
  • Registration indicates that the Secretary of State's office maintains certain information about the charity. It is not an endorsement of the charity's operations or charitable programs. It is important to check the registration of any charity before contributing.

Warning Signs

  • Be wary of high pressure or threatening telephone promoters. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. A fund-raiser more interested in making a profit than assisting a charity will cut off questions to move on to a more likely prospect.
  • Celebrity names may not carry as much weight as you are led to believe. Often the celebrity is unaware that his or her name is being used for promotion by the charity. 
  • Police officers, sheriffs, state law enforcement agencies and paid fire departments cannot solicit from the public; however, their unions and social organizations can.
  • Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.
  • Be skeptical of organizations which list only post office boxes, mail drop suites, or out-of-state addresses and phone numbers. Be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or office to pick up your donation.
  • Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are authentic charities. Many "for-profit" businesses are now using names that sound like charities.

What to Ask

  • What is the exact purpose of the charity? If an event is to be held, what is the name of the sponsoring organization? Who is in charge? Get specific names.
  • Is the person seeking donations a paid employee or a volunteer? For whom does the individual work - the charity or a professional fund-raiser?
  • Is there an address and/or phone number where the solicitor and the charity can be reached?
  • What percentage of your contribution will the charity receive? In some instances a large percentage of your contribution will pay for administrative functions and overhead.
  • Is the organization registered with the Secretary of State as a charitable organization? 
  • Will the money donated be used in Georgia and, if so, in the city or county in which you live?
  • Does the organization have tax-exempt status? Is your contribution tax-deductible?
  • Is the organization controlled by an unsalaried governing board or a salaried staff? Ask for a copy of the organization's most recent financial report. If purchasing an advertisement, ask for a copy of the publication.

Additional Information

There are several ways you can check out organizations that solicit you. For questions regarding a charity's state registration and/or filings, or to report suspicious actions by a solicitor, contact one of the following:


Responsible for registration, investigation and enforcement:

Karen Handel
Secretary of State
Division of Securities and Business Regulation
Suite 802, West Tower
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-4910

Responsible for investigation and enforcement regarding unfair and deceptive business practices:

Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
Plaza Level East Tower, 205 Butler Street, SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Consumer Complaint Intake Center:
Metro Atlanta (404) 651-8600
Outside Metro Atlanta 1-800-869-1123


Provide standards to be met by charities and a current list of those organizations meeting those standards:

BBB Wise Giving Alliance
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
703-276-0100